Crack marine commandos guard Obama, wife at naval helibase

MUMBAI - The Indian Navy’s crack marine commandos (MARCOS) guarded US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle as they arrived at the naval helibase INS Shikra here Sunday afternoon ahead of their departure for New Delhi.

“The entire security overlay and the perimeter security was provided by the MARCOS prior to their departure,” said an official.

The Obamas were received by Vice Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, and his wife, Rajni Bhasin.

The MARCOS attained fame for their sterling contribuiton during the counter-terror operations when 10 Pakistani gunmen laid seige to south Mumbai Nov 26-29, 2008, claiming 166 lives before nine of the 10 were killed. The 10th terrorist, Ajmal Amir Kasab was captured alive and has been sentenced to death by a Mumbai court.

Shortly after their arrival, the US first couple boarded a Marine One chopper to take them to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport to their waiting Air Force One presidential aircraft which flew them to the Indian capital.